The contribution of the 700,000 strong Indian commmunity in Kuwait was extolled by the prime ministers of both the countries at their banquet speeches Friday night at the Hyderabad House here.

 

  

 Speaking first, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, while talking about Kuwait's linkages "from time immemorial", with commerce, culture and religion of India, said: "The seven hundred thousand Indians in your country are a living bridge between Kuwait and India. They are building their lives, supporting families at home and contributing to Kuwait's pluralism and progress."

  

 Visiting Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, while echoing the Indian prime minister's sentiments, said Kuwait was "proud to have the Indian community among us.

  

 He said they not only form the largest foreign community in Kuwait, but are participating in various vocations and have made "notable contribvutions, particularly in the private sector."